Western Balkans

International IDEA supports the EU reform agenda in the Western Balkans, and works with key national and international partners to speed up the democratic consolidation of the region. 

We do so by supporting Election Management Bodies (EMBs), policy makers and civil society to improve election standards through expertise, best practices, BRIDGE trainings, and Electoral Risk Management tools. In addition, we regularly track and analyse democracy trends in the region, engaging with civil society and foreign partners to mainstream democracy in the EU accession process of the region. 

In Albania, together with the Rule of Law Centre of Finland, we co-implement the project Integrity and Trust in Albanian Elections:  Fostering Political Finance Transparency and the Safe Use of Information and Communication Technologies.

International IDEA’s work in Montenegro supports the improvement of election standards, notably by introducing Electoral Risk Management strategies to the State Electoral Commission and other key national institutions, as well as by engaging authorities in regional discussions on cybersecurity in elections. 

In addition, through the EU-funded INTER PARES – Parliaments in Partnership project, the Institute supports the strengthening the oversight function and capacities of the Parliament of Montenegro. Add link to Inter Pares Page.